Spinal Cord and the Myelin Sheath. Bob Gould

Bob Gould’s research on the myelin sheath, the nervous system and its communication with our bodies is now being applied in recovery models for spinal injuries and disease. Bob Gould also reflects on his role as researcher and now patient. His life was turned around by a bicycle accident leaving his spinal cord damaged.

The myelin sheath is the protective coating surrounding nerve fibers. This coating enables communication through electrical impulses between nerve cells. But when myelin becomes damaged then there is an interruption. This interruption may be from an injury, stroke, disease such as multiple sclerosis or transverse myelitis and many other types of interruptions. In the worst cases the electrical impulses can stop completely.